Caoling Historic Trail: a beautiful East Coast gem of a walk

Описание: Although Taiwan’s history goes back many hundreds of years, only one pre-Qing dynasty, non-indigenous route through the mountains is still preserved. That’s New Taipei’s Caoling Historic Trail, a firm favorite among serious hikers and day-trippers alike. If you’re looking for a family-friendly outdoor holiday this spring, be sure to consider this East Coast gem.

Led by a hiking guide, we come to Caoling Historic Trail, the most historically significant mountain trail on the Northeast coast. This is the only pre-Qing dynasty trail preserved in Taiwan. Reaching just 616 meters at the peak, it’s perfect for less-practiced walkers.

Following a series of stone steps, hikers pass between lush trees that cast a dappled light over the trail even in winter. The scents of nature and foliage all around are one of the most relaxing parts of the trip.

The trail is famous for its silvergrass, which is at its most beautiful in winter. You can still see plenty in January, a romantic foil to the verdant forest.

When you reach the tiger inscription rock, you know you’re almost at the top. Here from Yakou Observation Deck, you can gaze out at the azure sea rolling away to the horizon.

Most people set out from Gongliao, climb the peak, and then carry on downhill towards Yilan. This hiking group leader with a bamboo basket on her back is working hard all the way, picking up rubbish.

Hiking group leader
I’m helping clean the mountain, looking out for rubbish along the path, or bits of paper which I can pick up. It is also providing environmental education and we’re promoting the trail. We want to have a cozy environment that more people can come and enjoy.

Tourist
It’s good for young and old, everyone can walk here. Because I think it’s very relaxed. For example, at the start there are those stone steps, but after you’ve got over that, it’s all a very gentle path.

The trail is 10 kilometers long, and compared to other historic trails, the path is very gentle and the peak not too hard to scale. If you’re disappointed about missing out on overseas mountain trips this year, why not give New Taipei a try? A perfect family day trip in the making.